“Inappropriate behaviour” allegations circle.
American automaker Ford has dismissed one of its most prominent executives this week after internal reviews discovered that he had not been performing in a manner befitting the role of his office. Raj Nair, the president of Ford’s North American operations, has been dismissed for “inappropriate behaviour,” and was shown the door immediately following the decision.
Ford offered no explanation or clarification over the allegations levelled at Nair via an anonymous tipster within the company. However, given the context (that Nair is not only an incredibly-visible and publicly-associated face for the brand, but also one of Ford’s key decisionmakers), you get an idea of how serious the allegations had to have been for the company to see dismissal as the only recourse for Nair’s transgression(s).
“We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration. Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values.” — Jim Hackett, CEO, Ford Motor Co.
Nair had been with Ford for 31 years, and assumed the top role for Ford North America in 2017. He had previously served as the company’s executive vice president for product development, and before that as its chief technical officer. Nair is credited with bringing the Ford GT back from the dead too, and just last week, he took delivery of his own GT with an exclusive ‘Victory’ livery that’s being made available only to Ford employees.
In a statement, Nair said:
“I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviours consistent with the principles that the company and I have always espoused. I continue to have the utmost faith in the people of the Ford Motor Company, and wish them continued success in the future.” — Raj Nair, Former President for North American Operations, Ford Motor Co.
Pressure has been mounting against Ford after a New York Times article published late last year spoke in vivid detail of the sexual harassment horrors that have dogged female employees at Ford’s Chicago locations over several decades. Following that article, Jim Hackett issued a letter responding to the article apologising for Ford’s lapses in protecting its employees and ensuring their safety and security on the job.
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